North Carolina security officer drowned in river, sheriff’s office says

MACON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – A well-respected security officer at the Macon County courthouse died on Friday after his truck reportedly went underwater.

According to Macon County Sheriff’s Office, at around 11:30 a.m. Friday, a 911 call was made after someone observed a truck in the river on Fulton Road. The caller told 911 they saw someone in the truck before it went underwater.

Shortly after, staff at the courthouse realized security officer Jim Lau had not returned from a lunch break, and his truck matched the description of the one seen in the river.

Search and rescue teams worked on foot, in the air and with a swift-water rescue team, but were unable to locate him before sundown. The search resumed on Saturday morning and teams were able to locate Lau’s body in the river.

“Jim was very liked and respected within our department. He was known to be a hard worker, dependable, and he jumped in wherever help was needed. His absence will truly be felt in our agency,” the sheriff’s department said. “We ask for prayers for this family and loved ones, and we ask for prayers for our department. Continue to pray for Western North Carolina as a whole; the tragedy that surrounds our mountain communities is unimaginable.”

According to the NC Sheriff’s Association, Lau is one of two officers to die during this week’s storm. A deputy from Madison was also killed this weekend.

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